Even though nothing much about ASRock's next generation Intel 8 Series motherboards can be revealed yet, we simply can't restrain ourselves from spilling out the good news that ASRock's Z87 Extreme4 is the world's first Intel 8 Series motherboard to pass Windows 8 hardware certification. So, yeah, users may be ensured that ASRock's Z87 Extreme4 will support the latest operating system from Microsoft without any problems, and bear in mind that it's coming to you real soon.

ASRock is always striving for the most advanced hardware designs, as well as the latest software applications. The company is dedicated to offer users only the best cutting edge technology, which of course includes the latest Windows 8 operating system. Why settle for second place when you can be number one? Be the first to lay your hands on the 8 Series computers with ASRock.

Can anyone explain, what exactly Windows 8 certification means. That the drivers are compatible with Win 8 also, or it has some features that only works on Win 8?

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Basically, getting a Windows certification involves a manufacturer paying a fee to Microsoft for them to test the manufacturer's hardware under a specific Windows version.

So in this case, a Windows 8 Certification involves ASRock paying Microsoft to test and make sure everything functions for a particular mobo model. Once it passes Microsoft's testing process, they're given the right to say their product has been officially tested by Microsoft and there's little likelihood of issues. ie: "Windows 8 Certified".

For the consumer or tech enthusiast (like the audience of this website), it doesn't mean much.

This is more suitable for businesses and formal organisations who pay extra for the assurance that the software and hardware functions right out of the box.

Since no one with a clue is using WinDOZE 8, that selling point is moot. The mobo may be just fine in spite of the misfortune of being WinDOZE 8 certified, i.e. tested by Microsucks and confirmed to meet all requirements. Bear in mind Microsucks products have more defects than any other product in history and that Microsucks is unable to fix even a small percentage of them...

Basically, getting a Windows certification involves a manufacturer paying a fee to Microsoft for them to test the manufacturer's hardware under a specific Windows version.

So in this case, a Windows 8 Certification involves ASRock paying Microsoft to test and make sure everything functions for a particular mobo model. Once it passes Microsoft's testing process, they're given the right to say their product has been officially tested by Microsoft and there's little likelihood of issues. ie: "Windows 8 Certified".

For the consumer or tech enthusiast (like the audience of this website), it doesn't mean much.

This is more suitable for businesses and formal organisations who pay extra for the assurance that the software and hardware functions right out of the box.